Tesla Averts Cash Crunch as Musk Mystique Offsets Late Cars

Tesla Inc. put to rest a chorus of concern that it was going to need to raise more money soon, thanks in part to the salesmanship of its CEO.

The company’s cash balance barely budged last quarter even as it struggled mightily to make Model 3 sedans. Paying customers are supporting Tesla through its production struggle — they’ve put down more than $850 million in deposits for vehicles including the Semi truck and Roadster sports car thatMusk showed off in November.